What were you fighting for? What was your ‘why’?

"As a kid I loved martial arts movies, Jean Claude van dam was on all the time in the house and eventually me and my brother got obsessed with karate. We began attending the local school in blanchardstown for a few years. I recommend it to any parent or child as it instilled discipline and respect while also learning technique and gaining fitness. However we never had full contact spars and tbh it would not have worked in many live situations. I left eventually and remember my dad saying I would regret it for the rest of my life. I kept my foot in martial arts attending the odd Thai boxing class occasionally but never fully committed. With my work schedule it was also difficult as I worked away from home for 6-8 months of the year. When I saw the first season announced I jumped at it even applying for Belfast as it coincided with time off from work. My first application was unsuccessful as this was the first I’m sure they had 100s apply. With working away on the road my routine quickly became unhealthy and bad habits where taking over I felt unfit and overweight. I didn’t think about it again until I saw a guy I know compete in season 3 and this gave me the motivation to apply again for season 4 which open up the world of MMA once again and I haven’t looked back."

What did you get out of the program physically?

"Physically the program changed me completely. Before the program I was 87 Kgs I dropped down to 77 kgs. I became lean, fit and strong. My mobility, flexibility and agility all increased. I felt 10 years younger."

What were some of the mental and emotional outcomes you experienced?

"Mentally and emotionally you find out where your limits are and how far you can be pushed. Testing yourself and finding out what your really made of. You will surprise yourself and others in the group will surprise you too. I really enjoyed this side of the programme."

What did you learn about yourself?

"I learned that anyone has the capacity to do what ever they want as long as they are dedicated and committed. Even if you don’t feel great one day as long as you put in a little effort it will stand to you. You will have good days and bad days what’s important is how you react and learn from both."

Did Warrior Training lead to any long term changes in your life, and if so what were they?

"Yes absolutely the program had life changing implications for me. I kept up training  and fought 3 times now in total, I've trained in gyms across the world including Thailand and New Zealand. I've meet so many great people and made some genuine friends. Others close to me also got inspired to follow their Warrior Training journey and it’s been a privilege to help them along the way and watch them grow."

What would you say to someone thinking about starting the Warrior Training Program?

"If you have the means and opportunity to do this programme do it. I believe everyone can do it you just need to have a little belief in yourself. Take the first step no matter how big that might feel. Everything gets easier the more you do it but the first day/ class/ spar/ fight will always be the hardest but if you really want to see what your made of and what you can achieve take the first step you never know where it will lead."